U.S. patent application number 15/425932 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-14 for luminaire arrangement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nimbus Group GmbH. Invention is credited to Dietrich Brennenstuhl.
Application Number | 20170261163 15/425932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57395032 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170261163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brennenstuhl; Dietrich |
September 14, 2017 |
Luminaire Arrangement
Abstract
A luminaire arrangement for providing lighting in or near
buildings. The luminaire arrangement may contain one or more of the
following components: (i) at least one portable luminaire, which
has a body and a lamp arrangement, (ii) at least one energy store,
which is connected to the luminaire, is rechargeable, and is
designed to supply electrical power to the lamp arrangement of the
luminaire; and (iii) at least one charging device, which is
designed to recharge the energy store. The energy store is
attachable by means of an interface arrangement to the charging
device in order to at least one of recharge the energy store and
supply power to the lamp arrangement. The energy store is separable
from the charging device in order to take the luminaire as
necessary to any target location to be lit.
Inventors: |
Brennenstuhl; Dietrich;
(Stuttgart, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nimbus Group GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
57395032 |
Appl. No.: |
15/425932 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/35 20130101; H02J
50/10 20160201; H05B 45/10 20200101; F21V 21/26 20130101; F21V
23/06 20130101; F21L 2/00 20130101; F21V 21/0965 20130101; F21S
8/00 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; Y02B 10/72 20130101; F21V 21/30
20130101; F21S 9/02 20130101; F21V 23/0485 20130101; F21L 4/08
20130101; F21S 6/00 20130101; F21V 21/40 20130101; F21Y 2115/10
20160801; F21S 6/006 20130101; Y02B 10/70 20130101; F21L 4/04
20130101; F21V 21/28 20130101; H02J 7/0042 20130101; H02J 7/025
20130101; H02J 9/065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21L 4/08 20060101
F21L004/08; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02; F21V 21/096 20060101 F21V021/096; F21V 21/26 20060101
F21V021/26; F21V 23/06 20060101 F21V023/06; F21V 23/04 20060101
F21V023/04; H02J 7/02 20060101 H02J007/02; H05B 33/08 20060101
H05B033/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2016 |
DE |
202016101368.2 |
Claims
1. A luminaire arrangement for providing lighting in or near
buildings, comprising: at least one portable luminaire, which has a
body and a lamp arrangement; at least one energy store, which is
connected to the luminaire, is rechargeable, and is designed to
supply electrical power to the lamp arrangement of the luminaire;
and at least one charging device, which is designed to recharge the
energy store, the energy store being attachable by means of an
interface arrangement to the charging device in order to at least
one recharge the energy store and supply power to the lamp
arrangement, and being separable from the charging device in order
to take the luminaire as necessary to any target location to be
lit.
2. The luminaire arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
charging device and the energy store can be coupled by means of an
inductive interface arrangement such that the energy store can be
charged inductively.
3. The luminaire arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
interface arrangement includes an electrical connection
arrangement, the connection arrangement being held magnetically in
a connection position, such that establishing at least one of the
connecting arrangement and separation of the connection arrangement
is facilitated.
4. The luminaire arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising a
plurality of portable luminaires, which each has a control
arrangement, each control arrangement including a wireless
communications device, which communications devices can communicate
with one another such that the luminaires can be switched
jointly.
5. The luminaire arrangement as claimed in claim 1, the body of the
luminaire defining a supporting plane and the interface arrangement
having an electrical connection arrangement with a connection axis
which is oriented transversely to the supporting plane.
6. The luminaire arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
body of the luminaire has a recess, in which at least a portion of
a charging device housing can be inserted, the shape of the recess
and the shape of the charging device housing being coordinated with
one another such that the charging device housing can be pivoted
relative to the body of the luminaire parallel to the supporting
plane by an angle which lies in a range of from 10.degree. to
90.degree..
7. The luminaire arrangement as claimed in claim 5, the electrical
connection arrangement having two concentric luminaire contacts on
the body of the luminaire and two corresponding concentric charging
contacts on a charging device housing.
8. A portable luminaire having a foot from which a pillar-like main
body extends upwardly, a luminaire head being mounted at an upper
end of the pillar-like main body, and a handle for carrying the
luminaire being mounted on the main body in an area between the
foot and the luminaire head, wherein the pillar-like main body has
a longitudinal axis which is oriented at an angle (.alpha.) in the
range between 45.degree. and 80.degree. with respect to a
horizontal.
9. The luminaire as claimed in claim 8, wherein the foot defines a
horizontal supporting plane and has an electrical interface
arrangement that defines an interface axis which is oriented
transversely to the horizontal supporting plane.
10. The luminaire as claimed in claim 8, wherein the foot of the
luminaire has a recess, in which an electrical interface
arrangement is located and in which at least a portion of a
charging device housing can be inserted, the shape of the recess
and the shape of the charging device housing being coordinated with
one another such that the charging device housing can be pivoted
relative to the foot of the luminaire parallel to the horizontal
supporting plane by an angle which lies in a range of from
10.degree. to 90.degree..
11. The luminaire as claimed in claim 10, wherein the recess is
located at an underside of the foot and is arranged adjacent to, so
that the charging device housing can be inserted into the recess in
a vertical or in a horizontal direction.
12. A portable luminaire having a body which defines a body plane
and in which a rechargeable electrical energy store is received,
and having a lamp arrangement which has a light input portion and a
luminous panel with a side edge, into which light from the light
input portion is coupled, the luminous panel being oriented to the
front at an angle of greater than 3.degree. and less than/equal to
90.degree. to the body plane, wherein a holding device in order to
temporarily hold the body at a location to be lit, is located at a
body rear side of the body.
13. The luminaire as claimed in claim 12, wherein an energy store
is fixed to the body and is electrically connected to the lamp
arrangement.
14. A charging device for a luminaire, wherein the charging device
has a charging device housing, which has an underside, which can be
set down on a base including a floor or a table, an upper side, and
a side face connecting the underside and the upper side, a fixation
surface for temporarily fixating the charging device housing
against the base being formed on the upper side, and a charging
interface for connection to a rechargeable energy store being
arranged on at least one of the upper side and the side face.
15. The charging device as claimed in claim 14, a standard
interface being formed on the charging device housing, via which
standard interface an electrical charging DC voltage can be
provided, the electrical standard interface in the charging device
housing being electrically connected to charging contacts of the
charging interface on the outer side of the charging device
housing, the charging contacts being electrically connectable to
luminaire contacts on a body of the luminaire.
16. The charging device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
charging contacts are arranged on the upper side of the charging
device housing.
17. The charging device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
charging contacts include two charging contacts on the charging
device housing, which two charging contacts are concentric with
respect to an axis that is oriented transversely to the underside
of the charging device housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of German utility model
application DE 20 2016 101 368.2, filed Mar. 11, 2016, wherein the
entire content of this application is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The above-mentioned invention relates to a luminaire
arrangement, in particular for providing lighting in or near
buildings, the luminaire arrangement having a luminaire which
includes a body and a lamp arrangement.
[0003] The lamp arrangement preferably includes one or more lamps
having a low power consumption, such as an LED lamp arrangement.
The lamp arrangement can be constructed in particular in the form
of an array of lamps of this type. The luminaire also includes a
body, to which the lamp arrangement is fixed.
[0004] Luminaire arrangements of this type are known as wall,
table, ceiling or floor luminaires, to name a few examples. The
lamp arrangement is generally electrically operated. Here, it is
known to connect the lamp arrangement to a main power supply or
another power source. For this purpose, suitable electrical lines
can be laid in the body. However, it is also known to operate lamp
arrangements of this type using rechargeable, secondary batteries
or using primary batteries.
SUMMARY
[0005] On this basis, an object of the design is to specify an
improved luminaire arrangement, an improved luminaire, an improved
charging device, and also an improved method for operating a
luminaire arrangement of this type.
[0006] The above problem is achieved by a luminaire arrangement, in
particular for lighting in or near buildings, the luminaire
arrangement containing one or more of the following components:
[0007] at least one portable luminaire, which has a body and a lamp
arrangement, [0008] at least one energy store, which is connected
to the luminaire, is rechargeable, and is designed to supply
electrical power to the lamp arrangement of the luminaire, and
[0009] at least one charging device, which is designed to recharge
the energy store,
[0010] wherein the energy store being attachable by means of an
interface arrangement to the charging device in order to recharge
the energy store and/or in order to supply power to the lamp
arrangement, and being separable from the charging device in order
to take the luminaire as necessary to any target location to be
lit.
[0011] With the luminaire arrangement according to the present
design, a completely new type of lighting concept is provided. The
basic concept lies in designing a luminaire so as to be portable
and either attaching the luminaire to a charging device in order to
recharge an energy store connected to the luminaire, or separating
the luminaire from the charging device in order to take the
luminaire as necessary to any location to be lit.
[0012] Consequently, by means of the portable luminaire, lighting
can be provided in a mobile manner wherever it is currently
required, for example for reading, for playing, for doing
handicrafts, for activities performed by craftsmen, etc.
[0013] The portable luminaire here can be, in particular, a
freestanding luminaire, but also a wall luminaire, a table
luminaire, or a ceiling luminaire, to name a few examples. At the
location to be lit, the portable luminaire can assume a normal
operational position or operating position, which for example is a
standing position, a leaning position, a plugged-in position or a
hanging position. The charging process can be performed in the
normal operational position. In a variant, however, it is
preferably for the portable luminaire to be removed from the normal
operational position in order to carry out a charging process. The
normal operational position is preferably a position in which there
is no main power supply connection provided by means of which the
portable luminaire could be supplied with power.
[0014] The portable luminaire can be arranged in an indoors space
for charging and can be taken outside to light a location, for
example in a garden.
[0015] The lamp arrangement preferably has a power consumption that
is less than 15 watts, in particular less than 10 watts. The lamp
arrangement is preferably also designed to generate a luminous flux
in a range of from 200 Im to 2,000 Im.
[0016] The rechargeable energy store preferably has a capacity in a
range of from 2,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh.
[0017] The charging device can preferably be attached to a main
power supply, such as a 220-volt grid, but can also be connected to
a photovoltaic arrangement as power source.
[0018] The portable luminaire preferably has a weight in a range of
from 500 g to 8,000 g, in particular in a range of from 1,000 g to
5,000 g. The luminaire also preferably has dimensions similar to
conventional furniture luminaires.
[0019] The luminaire, in one embodiment, has dimensions such that
it cannot be placed in a pocket of an item of clothing.
[0020] The body of the portable luminaire can be a housing of which
the walls can be at least partially permeable to light. The body
can be a one-piece rigid body, but can also be a multi-part body.
In particular, the body can include a foot, which is connected to a
main body, such as an arm or the like. The body can also have a
head, which for example is connected to an arm or a pillar. It is
particularly preferred if an arm or a pillar of a freestanding
luminaire is rigidly connected to a foot, wherein a head can be
mounted in an articulated manner on the arm or the pillar, the lamp
arrangement being fixed to the head.
[0021] An interface of the interface arrangement is preferably also
provided on the body. The interface on the body can be a standard
interface, in particular a standard computer interface, such as a
USB interface, a mini USB interface, or the like. Standard
interfaces of this type generally include at least two DC contacts
for providing a DC voltage, which can be used, preferably directly,
to charge an electrical energy store inside the body, for example a
voltage in a range of from 4 volts to 24 volts, i.e. a voltage as
is also used for example to charge rechargeable batteries for
mobile telephones.
[0022] The rechargeable electrical energy store of the luminaire
arrangement preferably provides a DC voltage in a similar value
range, this DC voltage being converted, where appropriate, by means
of a converter circuit provided in the body to a voltage that is
suitable for LED lamps, i.e. in particular a voltage of 12 volts or
a voltage of 24 volts. In some embodiments the energy store can
also provide a voltage of this type on the output side as
standard.
[0023] A switching arrangement is preferably also provided on the
body, by means of which switching arrangement the lamp arrangement
can be switched on and switched off. The switching arrangement
preferably includes a dimming device so as to be able to adjust the
power consumption as necessary. The switching arrangement can
include a contactless switch with or without dimmer.
[0024] The luminaire arrangement can include an individual portable
luminaire, but can also include a plurality of portable
luminaires.
[0025] The above object is also achieved by a method for operating
a luminaire arrangement which comprises a portable luminaire having
a lamp arrangement, an energy store, and a charging device, which
can be connected to the energy store in order to charge the energy
store, in particular in order to operate a luminaire arrangement of
the type according to the present design, said method having the
following steps: recharging the energy store by means of the
charging device whilst the charging device is coupled to the energy
store; detecting whether the energy store is coupled to the
charging device; and, if the energy store is decoupled from the
charging device, controlling the luminaire in such a way that power
is supplied to the lamp arrangement.
[0026] In the present method according to the invention it is
consequently detected whether the portable luminaire is connected
to the charging device. As soon as the luminaire is decoupled from
the charging device, power is supplied to the lamp arrangement so
that the lamp arrangement can be used for lighting. Consequently,
the luminaire can light up already on the way to a location to be
lit and consequently can light the way for the person carrying the
luminaire, for example.
[0027] The luminaire is switched on here preferably automatically
once decoupled from the charging device, such that it is not
necessary to actuate a switch of a switching arrangement or the
like in order to switch on the luminaire.
[0028] The lamp arrangement is preferably switched off when the
luminaire is coupled again to the charging device. On the other
hand, it is preferable during a charging process if it is possible,
during such a charging process (or when such a charging process is
complete, but the luminaire is still connected to the charging
device), to switch the luminaire on or off by means of a switching
arrangement.
[0029] It is also conceivable for the luminaire to always be
supplied with a small amount of power during a charging process so
as to thus indicate that a charging process is underway. Only when
the energy store is fully recharged can the power supply to the
lamp arrangement be interrupted in this case. However, it is
generally possible to also separate the luminaire from the power
supply already prior to complete recharging. In an alternative
embodiment it is possible to integrate a charge indicator in the
body of the luminaire, for example on the upper side of a foot of
the luminaire body, and/or on a head of the body.
[0030] If a state of charge indicator of this type is integrated,
the following functions can also be provided in addition: By way of
example, the state of charge or state of recharge indicator can be
activated for a predetermined period of time (for example ranging
from 2 seconds to 30 seconds) as soon as a user switches on the
luminaire. The state of charge can thus be displayed to the user
directly. Furthermore, provision can be made for the state of
charge indicator to appear whenever the energy store is connected
to the charging device, such that the state of charge indicator is
activated during the entire charging process. The state of charge
indicator can include, for example, a plurality of individual
light-emitting diodes of different colors, which indicate the
particular state of charge, more specifically preferably at least
three LEDs for displaying a full energy store, a practically
discharged energy store, and an energy store which is still
sufficiently charged.
[0031] The above object is also achieved by a method for operating
a luminaire arrangement which comprises a portable luminaire having
a lamp arrangement, an energy store, and a charging device, which
can be coupled to the energy store in order to charge the energy
store, in particular a luminaire arrangement of the type according
to the present design, said method having the following steps:
detecting the state of charge of the energy store and reducing the
light output of the lamp arrangement when the state of charge falls
below a predetermined threshold value (for example 15% to 40% of a
full charge), such that a power-saving mode is established; and/or
detecting the state of charge of the energy store and gradually
reducing the light output when the state of charge falls below a
predetermined threshold value (for example 5% to 15% of a full
charge), such that the nearing end of the energy store charge is
displayed to a user; and/or providing a boost mode, by means of
which the amount of light can be temporarily increased to
approximately 101% to 150%, in particular 120% to 150% of a nominal
power, the boost mode being automatically limited to a
predetermined operating period, which is preferably shorter than 8
minutes.
[0032] With the luminaire according to the present design it is
possible to provide a charging interface on the body for charging
another mobile device, for example a smartphone or another USB
device. A capacity of the energy store of the luminaire can thus be
used to recharge another electronic device. If the state of charge
falls below a specific threshold value, this function can
preferably be switched off for reasons of self-protection of the
energy store.
[0033] On the whole, a new type of luminaire concept is
consequently provided, with which it is possible, as necessary, to
grasp a luminaire which is provided in the region of a charging
device and which is generally fully recharged, to separate said
luminaire from the charging device, and then to carry it to any
location at which lighting is desired. On the one hand this allows
an unlimited flexibility with regard to providing lighting at a
wide range of different locations. On the other hand a lighting
plan can be designed from the outset such that power outlets for
luminaires do not have to be provided everywhere. In addition, it
can still be possible to provide lighting in spaces or at places
where there are no power outlets provided.
[0034] In the case of the above-described electrical parameters of
capacity for the energy store and energy consumption of the lamp
arrangement, it is possible to provide sufficient lighting for a
wide range of different activities for a number of hours without
recharging. The lighting period at full light output lies
preferably in a range of from half an hour to a week, in particular
in a range of from two hours to ten hours. The energy store is
preferably based on available secondary battery technologies, such
as lithium-ion secondary batteries or the like. A portable
luminaire can use for example one or more secondary batteries, as
are also used in modern mobile telephones or the like. In a variant
the energy store is fixedly integrated in the body of the
luminaire. In an alternative preferred embodiment a compartment
which is to be opened by a user is provided, within which
compartment the energy store(s) is/are received, such that a user
can exchange the energy store independently. The energy store can
be an LiPO secondary battery for example, which is preferably
provided with a protection circuit and housing. The compartment for
receiving the energy store can preferably be provided on the
underside of a foot of the luminaire.
[0035] By way of example, a USB socket or USB micro socket can be
formed on the body of the luminaire and is connected to the energy
store in order to recharge this. Alternatively or additionally, a
charging station can be provided, which includes an adapter from
USB or mini USB to a magnetic contact arrangement. Such a charging
station can include, for example, a USB socket or a mini USB
socket, into which a conventional USB cable or mini USB cable is
inserted, for example on a charging device housing, which can form
such a charging station. The magnetic contact can produce, for
example, an independent connection to corresponding contacts on a
foot of the luminaire when the charging station approaches the
luminaire foot (or vice versa). The magnetic connection should be
sufficiently strong here for the luminaire to be positioned without
separation (within the cable length of the attached USB cable). To
release the connection, the user can stand with his/her foot on the
projecting end of the charging station in order to fix this on the
floor whilst he/she releases the luminaire from the magnetic
coupling.
[0036] The above object is also achieved by various types of
luminaires which can be used for the above-described luminaire
arrangement.
[0037] The object stated in the introduction is achieved in full
overall.
[0038] It is generally conceivable to provide the interface
arrangement between the energy store and the charging device as a
conventional electrical plug connection.
[0039] However, it is particularly preferred when the charging
device and the energy store can be coupled by means of an inductive
interface arrangement such that the energy store can be charged
inductively.
[0040] In this embodiment the charging device and energy store or
luminaire can be coupled and decoupled without the need to
establish or release mechanical plug connections.
[0041] By way of example, an inductive charging station can be
formed as a flat module, which is arranged on a flooring surface. A
flat inductive charging device of this type can also be integrated
for example in a flooring surface, for example instead of a tile or
the like, or can be arranged beneath a non-conductive flooring
surface, such as a wood flooring surface or the like.
[0042] Here, it is particularly preferred when the inductive
charging device has a coil which is flat and which is oriented,
within a charging device housing, substantially parallel to a
horizontal. Accordingly, a corresponding inductive charging coil
can be arranged on the body of the luminaire, for example in the
region of a foot or the like, which charging coil is preferably
likewise oriented horizontally in a charging position of the
luminaire.
[0043] In accordance with a further embodiment the interface
arrangement alternatively or additionally includes an electrical
connection arrangement, the connection arrangement being held
magnetically in a connection position, such that a separation of
the connection arrangement is facilitated.
[0044] In this embodiment the electrical connection between
charging device and luminaire can be provided such that the
electrical contact is made by magnetically attracting the interface
elements of the charging device on the one hand and luminaire on
the other hand. If the luminaire and the charging device are
forcibly separated from one another, this occurs in a facilitated
manner by overcoming the magnetic force of attraction. Damage in
the region of the interface arrangement on account of such a
forcible separation, as could occur for example in the case of
mechanical plug connections, is avoided as a result.
[0045] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the
luminaire arrangement includes a plurality of portable luminaires,
which each have a control arrangement, each control arrangement
including a wireless communications device, the communications
devices of at least two luminaires being able to communicate with
one another such that the luminaires can be switched jointly.
[0046] In other words, in this embodiment a plurality of luminaires
of this type can be switched synchronously with one another. The
term "switch" is to include in the present case in particular a
switching on and off, but can also include dimming.
[0047] Here, it can be advantageous if, with operation of just one
of the luminaires, the other luminaires are then switched
synchronously hereto. Alternatively, is also conceivable to switch
a plurality of luminaires by means of a control arrangement, such
as a remote control, a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, or the
like. Here, it is conceivable for a connection to be established
between a control arrangement of this type and one of the portable
luminaires so as to then synchronously switch a plurality of
luminaires.
[0048] The wireless communications device can be an infrared
network or a radio network. The transmission standard can be, for
example, an LAN standard, a Bluetooth standard, Zigbee, NFC, or the
like.
[0049] When a luminaire has a body with a foot, on which luminaire
contacts of an interface arrangement for charging an integrated
energy store are provided, luminaire contacts of this type can be
provided on one side in such a way that a connection axis of an
electrical connection arrangement has a connection axis which is
oriented parallel to a horizontal, in particular parallel to a
supporting plane. The supporting plane can be a plane parallel to a
floor in the case of a freestanding luminaire or a plane parallel
to a wall in the case of a wall luminaire. The supporting plane is
preferably a plane which is formed parallel to a base area of a
foot of a freestanding luminaire.
[0050] It is particularly preferred when the body of the luminaire
defines a supporting plane of this type and when the interface
arrangement has an electrical connection arrangement with a
connection axis which is oriented transversely to the supporting
plane.
[0051] In the case of a foot of a freestanding luminaire, the
connection axis consequently is not oriented horizontally, but
transversely hereto, in particular perpendicularly hereto.
[0052] Here, the connection axis is preferably the axis along which
contacts of the electrical connection arrangement of the charging
device on the one hand and the body of the luminaire on the other
hand are moved toward one another or are aligned with one
another.
[0053] The embodiment of an electrical connection arrangement with
a connection axis which is oriented transversely to the supporting
plane makes it possible, when the luminaire contacts are formed on
a foot of a freestanding luminaire, for the connection axis to
extend perpendicularly. Here, the luminaire can be moved
substantially transversely to the horizontal in order to release
the electrical connection arrangement. This can be combined with an
embodiment as described hereinafter in which a charging device has
a housing which has, on its upper side, a foot placement surface
and of which the charging interface is likewise formed on the upper
side, so as to in this way provide a substantially perpendicular
connection axis.
[0054] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the body here of
the luminaire has a recess, in which at least a portion of a
charging device housing can be inserted, the shape of the recess
and the shape of the charging device housing being coordinated with
one another such that the charging device housing can be pivoted
relative to the body of the luminaire parallel to the supporting
plane by an angle which lies in a range of from 10.degree. to
90.degree..
[0055] The angle preferably lies in a range of from 15.degree. to
45.degree., in particular from 20.degree. to 35.degree..
[0056] Here, the pivot potential can be provided in particular
about the above-mentioned connection axis.
[0057] This has advantages in particular with regard to the process
of coupling the body of the luminaire to the charging device
housing. Here, the charging device housing can rest on a flooring
surface, for example. Due to the relatively large pivot angle, it
is possible to move the body of the luminaire toward the charging
device housing at different angular positions in order to perform
the coupling process.
[0058] The recess on the body preferably has an insertion bevel
which defines the above-mentioned angle.
[0059] In this embodiment it is also advantageous when the
interface arrangement includes a magnetic holding device or
coupling device, such that the electrical connection arrangement is
electrically coupled substantially automatically as soon as the
body approaches the charging device housing.
[0060] The recess is formed here preferably on an underside of a
foot of the body of the luminaire in such a way that the luminaire
can be brought not only from the side toward the charging device
housing in order to carry out the coupling process. Rather, it is
also possible to place the foot from above onto the charging device
housing, the coupling process being implemented again preferably
via magnetic coupling means, by means of which charging contacts on
the charging arrangement housing and luminaire contacts on the body
are electrically contacted with one another.
[0061] This magnetic connection is preferably sufficiently strong
here, as mentioned above, for the luminaire to be positioned
without separation, unless the user places a foot on the charging
device housing or the user removes the luminaire, beyond the cable
length of an attached cable, from a main plug to which the charging
device is connected. In this case the magnetic coupling or magnetic
connection is forcibly released, however this can be implemented
without damaging the interface arrangement.
[0062] It may also be preferable if the recess has a recess cone,
which is preferably oriented concentrically to the connection axis.
In this case it is likewise preferred if a housing cone is provided
on the charging device housing, which housing cone is likewise
oriented concentrically to the connection axis. In other words, the
cones of the recess on the one hand and charging device housing on
the other hand are arranged concentrically to a particular
electrical contact arrangement.
[0063] Consequently, it is preferred when the electrical connection
arrangement has two concentric luminaire contacts on the body of
the luminaire and two corresponding concentric charging contacts on
the charging device housing.
[0064] The charging contacts are preferably provided on an upper
side of the charging device housing. The luminaire contacts are
also preferably provided on an upper side or ceiling of the recess,
which is preferably open to the underside.
[0065] The present design also relates to a luminaire of a
luminaire arrangement which is to be protected independently of the
charging device. Here, the luminaire preferably has a handle, which
is mounted and/or formed on the luminaire such that the luminaire,
when grasped, assumes an equilibrium position which deviates from a
normal operational position by no more than .+-.30.degree..
[0066] The handle is preferably shaped such that it can be grasped
by hand. The term "grasped" in the present case is intended to mean
that, for example, a finger is held centrally beneath the handle,
such that the luminaire can freely come to a rest with respect to
this suspended position. Compared with a normal operational
position, in which the luminaire is placed for example on a floor,
an equilibrium position is provided here which deviates from the
normal operational position by no more than .+-.30.degree..
Superior ergonomics and a high level of safety when carrying the
luminaire can be achieved as a result.
[0067] As already mentioned, the handle is preferably a handgrip
having a length in the range of from 5 cm to 20 cm and a diameter
in the range of from 1 cm to 7 cm. In the case of a normal
operational position of the luminaire, the handle extends
preferably approximately in the horizontal direction, but can also
be oriented perpendicularly hereto.
[0068] In any case a center of gravity of the handle is preferably
oriented vertically with a center of gravity of the luminaire
and/or a center of gravity of a foot of the luminaire, in such a
way that the center of gravity of the handle in a vertical
projection is distanced by no more than 10 cm, in particular by no
more than 5 cm, from the center of gravity of the luminaire or the
foot.
[0069] A further embodiment of such a luminaire, which is to be
protected independently, includes a foot from which a pillar-like
main body extends upwardly, a luminaire head being mounted on the
main body, and a handle for carrying the luminaire being mounted on
the main body.
[0070] In the case of this luminaire the pillar-like main body is
preferably rigidly connected to the foot. The handle is preferably
oriented horizontally and/or extends transversely to a longitudinal
axis of the pillar-like main body. In particular, is preferred if a
handle extends in the manner of a cantilever from the pillar-like
main body, in such a way that the handle can be grasped for example
from above in order to carry the luminaire.
[0071] It is particularly preferred if the main body has a
longitudinal axis which is oriented at an angle in the range
between 45.degree. and 80.degree. with respect to a horizontal.
[0072] Here, the main body is preferably connected to a foot in the
region of a horizontal end of the foot and is inclined such that it
extends over the foot. The handle preferably extends in a
projection plane defined in this way and/or extends from the main
body on a rear side of the main body averted from the foot. The
handle is preferably arranged, in vertical projection, within a
peripheral line of the foot.
[0073] In all embodiments in which the luminaire has a foot, the
electrical energy store is preferably integrated therein. A recess
is also preferably provided on the foot, as has been described
above in a preferred embodiment, and serves to receive at least a
portion of a charging device housing.
[0074] A further embodiment of such a luminaire, which is to be
protected independently, has a control arrangement arranged on the
body, said control arrangement having a switching arrangement which
comprises a first switching device for switching the lamp
arrangement and a second switching device, the first switching
device preferably being contactless and/or dimmable, and/or the
second switching device preferably being connected in series with
the first switching device and/or being capacitive.
[0075] The lamp arrangement can preferably be switched in this
embodiment via two control devices. The second control device is
preferably closed during operation. By way of example, the second
switching device can be closed when the luminaire is decoupled from
a charging device.
[0076] The second switching device is preferably connected in
series with the first switching device, the first switching device
preferably being able to be switched and/or dimmed contactlessly.
For this purpose, a contactless sensor such as a reflex light
barrier is used, which for example can receive light reflected back
from an operating member (for example a finger). The contactless
sensor is preferably a contactless IR sensor, which for example can
receive reflected-back IR light.
[0077] A reflex light barrier of this type is supplied here
continuously with power during operation in order to emit a light
beam and detect any reflections hereof. Although the consumption is
very low, it is still preferred in the case of a portable luminaire
separable from a charging device if this type of power consumption
is not permanent. Consequently, it is preferred when the second
switching device, which is preferably connected in series with the
first switching device, opens once a predetermined period of time
has elapsed, for example after a period of time ranging from one
minute to ten minutes. A renewed closing of the second switching
device is then only possible for example via a mechanical switch
which operates the second switching device. However, it is
particularly preferred when the second switching device is
capacitive, in such a way that a housing or body of the luminaire
for example must be contacted in order to close the second
switching device again following a sleep mode of this type and in
order to consequently wake the luminaire from the sleep mode. The
first switching device can then be activated again, a light beam of
a reflex light barrier being emitted.
[0078] A capacitive design of the second switching device generally
means that a body of the luminaire is electrically conductive at
least in a region to be contacted, or that an electrically
conductive capacitive sensor portion is formed behind a housing
portion, similarly to a hob that is to be capacitively
operated.
[0079] In accordance with a further embodiment of such a luminaire,
which is to be protected independently, the lamp arrangement and
the energy store are fixed to the body, the body being provided
with holding or supporting means in order to temporarily hold or
support the body at the location to be lit.
[0080] The holding means can be mechanical holding or supporting
means, for example a hook for hanging the luminaire. However, in
the simplest case, the holding means could also be a foot by means
of which the luminaire can be set down on a floor.
[0081] It is particularly preferred when the holding means are
formed as magnetic holding means. In this case it is possible for
example to hold the luminaire magnetically at a location to be lit.
The magnetic holding means can consist of the fact that the
luminaire has a ferromagnetic portion which can be magnetized.
Alternatively, the luminaire can have a magnet by means of which
the luminaire can be temporarily fixed to another magnet or to a
ferromagnetic material.
[0082] By way of example, a magnetic counter piece can be secured
to a wall in order to secure a luminaire to a wall in a simple
manner, even if there is no main outlet provided there.
[0083] A fastening to a ceiling is also possible via such magnetic
holding means.
[0084] The magnetic holding means can be standardized for different
luminaires. In particular, it is possible to provide a holding
magnet arrangement on the body, which arrangement has a centering
feature, such as a circular protrusion. The magnetic holding means
can also comprise a counter piece having a centering recess, which
is substantially circular. Here, the counter piece can be secured
for example to a wall, but can also be secured to a ceiling or to
an end of a suspension. The counter piece is preferably produced at
least in part from a ferromagnetic material, such that the counter
piece can be produced comparatively economically.
[0085] In an alternative embodiment the counter piece can include a
magnet, with corresponding ferromagnetic portions of the magnetic
holding means being provided on the body of the luminaire.
Luminaires having magnetic holding means of this type preferably do
not have a magnetic charging interface, and vice versa.
[0086] As described above, a luminaire according to the present
design can be formed as a freestanding luminaire, as a wall
luminaire, or as a hanging or pendant luminaire. A design as a
ceiling luminaire is also possible.
[0087] In a particularly preferred variant the luminaire can have a
body which has a foot and a head connected thereto via a rotational
joint. The lamp arrangement can be formed on the head. The lamp
arrangement can be connected via a cable in the rotational joint to
an energy store in the foot. By way of example, the energy store
can be a lithium-ion secondary battery, as is also used in mobile
radio devices. An on/off switch can be integrated in the foot, in
particular on the underside thereof. It is also preferred if
magnetic holding means, in particular one or more magnets, are
integrated in the foot. In this case, it is preferred when an
underside of the foot is produced from a plastics material. It is
particularly preferred if the foot has an upper shell and a lower
shell, the upper shell preferably being produced from metal, in
particular an aluminum alloy, and the lower shell preferably being
produced from plastic. In this case the effect of the magnets is
improved if a luminaire of this type is secured to a magnetic
counter means, for example to a ferromagnetic portion, such as a
refrigerator door, a metal plate, a vehicle body, etc.
[0088] In the variant in which a foot and a body are connected via
a rotational joint, a charging interface in the form of a standard
interface or computer interface can be formed, such as a USB
interface. A luminaire of this type is particularly portable and
can be charged at any location. The same is also true for
luminaires which are formed for example as wall luminaires, as
ceiling luminaires, or as pendent luminaires.
[0089] In accordance with a further embodiment of a luminaire,
which is to be protected independently, the luminaire includes a
body to which the lamp arrangement and the energy store are fixed
and which defines a supporting plane, which for example can be a
resting plane of a foot, the interface arrangement comprising an
electrical connection arrangement having a connection axis formed
transversely to the supporting plane.
[0090] As explained above, a luminaire of this type is preferably
formed as a freestanding luminaire, in which the luminaire contacts
of the electrical connection arrangement are formed in a recess in
the foot, which is open on a side of the foot and on an underside
of the foot, as described above.
[0091] A further embodiment of a luminaire, which is to be
protected independently, includes a body which defines a body plane
and in which a rechargeable electrical energy store is received,
the luminaire also including a lamp arrangement which has a light
input portion and a luminous panel with a side edge, into which
light from the light input portion is coupled, the luminous panel
being oriented at an angle of greater than 3.degree. and less
than/equal to 90.degree. to the body plane.
[0092] In this embodiment the light input portion can be formed for
example by a light strip having a plurality of adjacently arranged
LEDs, the light strip being arranged in the region of an interface
between the body and the luminous panel.
[0093] A luminaire of this type is suitable for example as a wall
or ceiling luminaire, the body then preferably being mounted
parallel to the wall or ceiling, and the body plane thus
simultaneously forming a supporting plane of the above-described
type.
[0094] In this case the luminous panel protrudes relative to the
wall or ceiling and consequently can be used advantageously for
lighting.
[0095] The luminous panel is preferably opaque or has scattering
elements, such that light is coupled out from at least one surface
of the luminous panel, said surface being oriented perpendicularly
to the side edge, in particular from two opposite surfaces. On
account of the angled embodiment of the luminous panel, light can
be irradiated both directly, for example downwardly, and indirectly
upwardly.
[0096] A luminaire of this type is also suitable as a pendant
luminaire.
[0097] Magnetic holding means are preferably also formed on the
body in order to secure the body temporarily to a wall, to a
ceiling or also to a pendant.
[0098] An interface for charging the energy store is preferably
provided on the body. The interface is preferably a standard
interface, in particular in the form of a standardized computer
interface, such as a USB interface.
[0099] The present design also relates to a charging device for a
luminaire arrangement of the type disclosed herein and/or for a
luminaire of the type disclosed herein, the charging device having
a flat charging device housing, which has an underside, which can
be placed on a floor, an upper side, and a side face connecting the
underside and the upper side, a holding surface, for example in the
form of a foot placement surface, being formed on the upper side,
and/or a charging interface for connection to a rechargeable energy
store being arranged on the upper side and/or on the side face.
[0100] In this embodiment the housing can be fixed by way of
example by means of a foot or a hand, and the luminaire can then be
separated from the interface at the side face of the charging
device housing. Here, is particularly preferred when the coupling
between charging device and luminaire has magnetic means, which
facilitates a separation of the interface or the connection.
[0101] The flat housing of the charging device can include here
charging electronics, such that the housing is connected to a main
plug. Here, by way of example, the charging electronics can convert
a main voltage of 220 volts into a suitable charging voltage or a
charging current in the form of a direct current.
[0102] In a particularly preferred variant, however, charging
electronics are provided in a separate housing, which for example
can be part of a charging plug which can be plugged into a power
outlet. A cable connected to a charging plug of this type, via
which cable the charging DC voltage or the charging direct current
is already provided, can then be a USB cable or a mini USB cable
for example, as is known in the case of smart phones and other
devices of this type. The flat housing of the charging device can
in this case include a passive adapter which connects a USB
connector or a mini USB connector to suitable contacts, which for
example cooperate with a magnetic coupling between the housing and
the luminaire. In this case, the flat housing preferably does not
contain any active electronics, but is formed in the manner of a
charging station or a magnet dock and preferably includes merely a
socket for the connector of a cable providing a DC voltage, such as
a USB cable, and contact means for making electrical contact with
the luminaire so as to thus supply power for charging to the energy
store in the luminaire.
[0103] Consequently, it is preferred when the charging device is
equipped such that a standard interface is formed on the charging
device housing, via which standard interface an electrical charging
DC voltage can be provided, the electrical standard interface in
the charging device housing being electrically connected to
charging contacts on the outer side of the charging device housing,
in particular on the upper side thereof, the charging contacts
being electrically connectable to luminaire contacts on a body of a
luminaire.
[0104] For charging, a conventional USB charging device can be used
alternatively, for which purpose a USB mini socket or USB micro
socket is preferably provided on the body of the luminaire.
[0105] As explained above, a charging device housing in the form of
a dock is preferably provided when the luminaire is a freestanding
luminaire. In all other cases, it is generally preferred when a
standard interface, such as a USB socket, is provided on the
body.
[0106] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, which is
to be protected independently, a charging device includes a
charging station, to which a plurality of luminaires can be fixed
temporarily and which has a plurality of interfaces, corresponding
to the plurality of luminaires, for simultaneously charging the
luminaires fixed to the charging station.
[0107] The basic concept of a charging device of this type having a
charging station consequently lies in the fact that a plurality of
luminaires can be charged simultaneously. Here, the charging
station preferably has a plurality of luminaire mounts, which are
preferably each identical so as to be able to receive identical
types of luminaires. Alternatively, however, different luminaire
mounts for receiving different types of luminaires can also be
provided on the charging station.
[0108] The charging station preferably has a base by means of which
the charging station can be placed on a horizontal surface. The
charging station also includes a power supply interface, via which
charging power can be fed. It is indeed conceivable for a converter
for converting a main voltage into a charging DC voltage to be
contained in the charging station itself, for example in a base
hereof. However, a charging interface which is connected by means
of wiring provided in the charging station to the plurality of
interfaces for simultaneous charging of a plurality of luminaires
is preferably provided on a housing of the charging station,
preferably on the base.
[0109] In this case, the central charging interface at the charging
station can be either a standard interface, such as a USB port.
Alternatively, a recess can be provided on the charging station,
into which recess at least a portion of a charging device housing
can be inserted, the merits of which have been described above in
similar form for the foot of a particular embodiment of a luminaire
according to the present design.
[0110] A charging device housing of this type can be identical to
that described above, specifically with concentric charging
contacts which can be electrically connected to concentric
"luminaire" contacts on the charging station. The charging device
housing can again be formed such that, on an upper side hereof, a
foot placement surface or hand resting surface or the like is
formed, such that the charging device housing can be fixedly held
by the part protruding from the recess of the charging station in
order to separate a magnetic coupling between the charging device
housing and the charging station.
[0111] The charging device housing can also have a standard
interface in the form of a USB interface or the like, via which the
charging device housing can be connected to a standard charging
converter. In this case the charging device housing does not have
its own converter provided therein, but instead merely electrical
wiring between the standard interface and charging contacts.
[0112] The charging device housing can consequently be used to
recharge a luminaire which has a foot on the underside of which a
recess is provided for receiving a portion of the charging device
housing. However, the charging device housing can also be used to
charge a plurality of luminaires which are temporarily fixed in a
charging station of the above-described type. The charging station
is preferably formed such that it has a base, on which at least
two, preferably four or more luminaire mounts for a corresponding
number of luminaires are provided. The luminaires are preferably
luminaires in which a luminous panel extends at an angle from a
body. The luminaire mounts can be provided here in order to receive
the corresponding bodies of these luminaires. The mounts are
preferably arranged here such that in each case two luminaires can
be received directly adjacently via their bodies, in such a way
that their luminous panels extend in opposite directions.
[0113] It goes without saying that the above-mentioned features and
the features yet to be explained hereinafter can be used not only
in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in
isolation without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
DRAWINGS
[0114] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in
the drawing and will be explained in greater detail in the
following description. In the drawing:
[0115] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a luminaire
arrangement according to the present design;
[0116] FIG. 2 shows schematic illustrations of further luminaire
arrangements in a building;
[0117] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a luminaire arrangement
according to the present design in a charging position and in a
lighting position;
[0118] FIG. 4 shows an illustration comparable to FIG. 3 of a
further embodiment of a luminaire;
[0119] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the luminaire of FIG. 4;
[0120] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a further
embodiment of a luminaire arrangement;
[0121] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a charging device of the
luminaire arrangement of FIG. 6;
[0122] FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a control
arrangement of a luminaire;
[0123] FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of a further
embodiment of a luminaire;
[0124] FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of the luminaire of
FIG. 9 from below;
[0125] FIG. 11 shows a schematic illustration of an interface
arrangement with vertical connection axis for an embodiment of a
luminaire arrangement, more specifically obliquely from above;
[0126] FIG. 12 shows an illustration comparable to FIG. 11
obliquely from below;
[0127] FIG. 13 shows an illustration of the interface arrangement
from below prior to a coupling of charging device housing and
body;
[0128] FIG. 14 shows an illustration comparable to FIG. 13 once the
coupling has been established;
[0129] FIG. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of a charging
device housing in accordance with a further embodiment;
[0130] FIG. 16 shows the charging device housing of FIG. 15 from
above;
[0131] FIG. 17 shows a perspective illustration of a further
embodiment of a luminaire obliquely from the front;
[0132] FIG. 18 shows a perspective illustration of the luminaire of
FIG. 17 obliquely from behind;
[0133] FIG. 19 shows an operating device for luminaires;
[0134] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of
a luminaire in the form of a pendant luminaire;
[0135] FIG. 21 shows a schematic illustration of a magnetic
securing part for magnetic holding means from the front;
[0136] FIG. 22 shows the magnetic securing part of FIG. 21 in a
sectional view;
[0137] FIG. 23 shows a schematic illustration of a luminous panel
and of a light input for the luminaires shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and
20;
[0138] FIG. 24 shows a luminaire arrangement having a plurality of
luminaires and a central operating device;
[0139] FIG. 25 shows a further embodiment of a charging device
comprising a charging station for charging a plurality of
luminaires.
DESCRIPTION
[0140] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a luminaire arrangement
designated generally by 10. The luminaire arrangement 10 includes a
luminaire 12. The luminaire 12 comprises a lamp arrangement 14,
which is incandescent lamp-based or halogen-based, but in
particular is formed as an LED lamp arrangement, in particular in
the form of an array formed from a plurality of individual
LEDs.
[0141] The luminaire 12 also has a body 16, which can be formed in
one or more parts. The body 16 can be a housing, can be an
arrangement formed from a foot, pillar and head, but can also be a
light-permeable, opaque or otherwise scattering surface. In some
cases the body can be a closed sleeve formed from a light-permeable
or light-scattering material. In other variants the body can be a
housing not permeable to light, which for example includes a slot
or another opening for the exit of light of the lamp arrangement
14. In many cases the lamp arrangement 14 can include a flat
element formed from a light-scattering plastics material which is
provided with holes, for example with countersunk points for each
LED of an LED array. The rear side of a plastic or glass
arrangement of this type can be covered by a housing which covers
the rear side of the LED array arrangement and, where applicable,
control electronics assigned to this arrangement.
[0142] Examples of luminaires of this type can be found on the
webpage www.nimbus-lighting.com, with reference being made to the
full content thereof.
[0143] The luminaire 12 also includes a control arrangement 18,
which is designed to control the lamp arrangement 14. The luminaire
12 also has an electrical energy store 20, which is fixedly
connected to the body 16, in particular is received in a housing
portion of the body. It is particularly preferred when the
electrical energy store 20, which for example can be formed as a
secondary battery and consequently can be recharged, is received in
a foot of the luminaire 12.
[0144] The luminaire arrangement 10 also has a charging device 22,
which converts energy from a power source 24, for example a main
power supply 24, into a suitable DC voltage for charging the
electrical energy store 20 and/or for supplying power to the lamp
arrangement 14.
[0145] An interface arrangement 26 serves to connect the charging
device 22 to the luminaire 12. The interface arrangement 26 can
include an electrical connection device, for example a mechanical
plug connector device. However, the interface arrangement 26 can
also be an inductive interface arrangement. The interface
arrangement 26 can also be assigned a magnet arrangement 28, which
serves to electrically contact the interface elements of the
luminaire 12 and the charging device 22 with one another on the
basis of magnetic attraction, such that a release of the interface
arrangement 26 or separation of the interface arrangement 26 can be
facilitated.
[0146] The control arrangement 18 has a circuit arrangement 30,
which preferably can be operated by means of an operating object
32, such as a finger. The switching arrangement 30 can be a
mechanical switching device, but can also be a capacitive switching
device, a contactless switching device with reflex light barrier,
or the like. The switching arrangement 30 can be integrated for
example in a head of the body 16 of the luminaire 12.
[0147] The luminaire 12 also includes a supporting or holding
portion 34, by means of which the luminaire 12 can be supported or
held at a location to be lit. In the simplest case, the supporting
or holding portion 34 can be a foot, by means of which the
luminaire 12 is placed on a floor. The supporting/holding portion
34, however, can also be a magnetic portion, a hook, or the
like.
[0148] In some embodiments the control arrangement 18 includes a
communications device 36, by means of which the luminaire 12 can be
connected for communication to another luminaire 12 in order to
switch the luminaires in a synchronized manner. However, the
communications device 36 can also be designed to be connected to an
operating device, for example a remote control, a mobile telephone,
a tablet computer, etc. The communications device 36 is preferably
a wireless communications device, based for example on one of the
following standards: WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, etc.
[0149] Lastly, the luminaire 12 can include a handle 38, by means
of which the luminaire 12 can be carried, more specifically to a
location to be lit, the luminaire 12 for this purpose being
separated from the charging device 22, preferably beforehand, in
such a way that the luminaire arrangement 14 is supplied with power
exclusively from the electrical energy store 20.
[0150] FIG. 2 illustrates different types of luminaires or
luminaire arrangements, more specifically with respect to a
building 40, which includes a floor 42, a ceiling 44 and at least
one vertical wall 46.
[0151] FIG. 2 thus shows a wall luminaire 12A having a
supporting/holding portion 34A, by means of which the luminaire 12A
can be connected to an interface arrangement 26A in a region of the
wall 46, a charging device 22 which is connected to a power source
24, such as a main power supply, being integratable in the wall. In
this case the wall luminaire 12A can be grasped for example at a
vertically extending part of a body and can be separated from the
interface arrangement 30 so as to then be placed on a table, for
example by means of a foot 48, so as to be able to carry out a
lighting function in the region of the table independently of the
main power supply.
[0152] An alternative embodiment of a luminaire 12B for example has
a light-permeable or light-scattering body and also a hook 50,
which forms a supporting or holding portion and for example is
connectable to a hook eyelet, which hangs from a ceiling 44. With a
hook 50 of this type, the luminaire 12B, which in this case is
formed as a ceiling luminaire, can also be hung at other locations,
for example also in the garden, on a terrace, or the like. Here, a
charging device 22 can likewise be provided in the region of the
hook eyelet, by means of which charging device an energy store
contained in the luminaire 12B can be charged.
[0153] A further luminaire in the form of a freestanding luminaire
is shown at 12C. The freestanding luminaire 12C has a foot 48, from
which a rod-shaped or pillar-shaped main body 52 protrudes
upwardly. The main body 52 can be oriented at an incline to a
horizontal, as is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2. A head 54
can be supported at a free end of the main body 52, more
specifically for example via a joint 56, which can be formed as a
single joint or as a multiple joint. A lamp arrangement 14 can in
this case be integrated in the head 54, as is illustrated
schematically in FIG. 2.
[0154] It can be seen that an interface arrangement 26C is formed
in the region of the foot in order to connect the luminaire 12C to
a charging device 22, which for example has a flat housing and is
set down on the floor 42. The charging device 22 can be connected
via a cable (not illustrated in greater detail) to a power outlet
58 of a power source 24.
[0155] A ceiling luminaire is shown at 12D which includes a flat
lamp arrangement 14, on the rear side of which a body 16 is formed.
The body 16 can cooperate in this case with a magnet 60, which is
secured to the ceiling 44. Consequently, following a charging
process at a charging station (not illustrated), the ceiling
luminaire 12D can be secured upwardly to the ceiling 44, more
specifically by means of the magnet 60, which in this case serves
as a supporting or holding portion.
[0156] A similar concept is shown for a floor-lighting luminaire
12E1, which can be secured by means of a magnet 60 in a region of a
wall 46 close to the floor 42 by means of a magnet 60.
[0157] In FIG. 2 a further luminaire 12E2, in addition to the
luminaire 12E1, is illustrated on a further wall, the luminaires
12E1 and 12E2 preferably being of identical construction. The
luminaires 12E1, 12E2 can each serve to light a floor, for example
in the region of stairs or the like. In a preferred variant the
luminaires 12E1, 12E2 can communicate wirelessly with one another
via communications devices (not presented in greater detail), as is
shown schematically in FIG. 2 at 62. The luminaires 12E1, 12E2 can
each be switched, for example switched on and off or dimmed,
synchronously as a result.
[0158] An operating device is shown at 66 which can be formed as a
remote control, as a mobile telephone, as a tablet computer, etc.
Communication between the operating device 66 and at least one of
the luminaires 12E1, 12E2 is illustrated at 64. The operating
device 66 can also be formed, however, so as to control all
luminaires 12E1, 12E2 in parallel and to switch these in
parallel.
[0159] The concept of the communication between luminaires is also
conceivable for other of the above-described luminaire types, as is
shown schematically for example at 62 between the luminaires 12A
and 12C. The operating device 66 is also designed, as appropriate,
to also switch other luminaires, for example the luminaire 12B, as
is also indicated in FIG. 2 by an arrow 64.
[0160] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a luminaire 12F which
corresponds in terms of structure and operating principle to the
luminaire 12C of FIG. 2. Like elements are therefore characterized
by like reference signs.
[0161] The luminaire 12F includes a body having a pillar-like main
body 52, at the end of which a head 54 is supported via a joint 56.
The joint 56 can be a joint movable about three axes. A switching
arrangement 30 is provided on an upper side of the head 54, by
means of which switching arrangement a lamp arrangement 14 arranged
on the underside of the head 54 can be switched.
[0162] The foot 48 is formed such that it accommodates the energy
store 20. An inductive charging process can also take place between
the foot 48 and a charging device 22 integrated in the floor 42.
For this purpose, the charging device 22, in the case of a tiled
floor, can be integrated in the floor instead of a tile 70, for
example. Joins of tiles 70 of this type are illustrated
schematically at 72. In other words, an upper side of the charging
device 22 can be flush with the floor 42 so that the luminaire 12F
can be placed onto the charging device 22 in order to carry out an
inductive charging process. For this purpose, the charging device
22 includes a schematically illustrated coil 74, and a further coil
76 is integrated in the foot 48. The coils 74, 76 cooperate
magnetically during the inductive charging process, the merits of
which are known per se. It goes without saying that a further part
of the control arrangement 18 can preferably also be integrated in
the foot 48 in order to conduct energy received via the interface
arrangement 26F to the energy store 20 and/or to the lamp
arrangement 14.
[0163] As it is also illustrated in FIG. 3 on the left-hand side,
the luminaire 12F has a handle 78. The handle 78 extends in a
cantilever-type manner from the pillar-like main body 52. The main
body 52 is rigidly connected to foot 48 at a lateral end thereof
and extends at an angle .alpha. to the horizontal, more
specifically such that the main body 52 extends in a vertical
projection transversely above the foot 48. The angle .alpha. can
lie in a range of from 45.degree. to 80.degree., in particular in a
range of from 60.degree. to 80.degree.. The handle 78 is fixed to
the main body 52 preferably on a side averted from the foot 48. The
handle 78, as is illustrated in FIG. 3, has a length L.sub.G and a
diameter D. The length L.sub.G can lie for example in the range of
from 5 cm to 20 cm. The diameter D can lie for example in the range
of from 1 cm to 7 cm.
[0164] The handle 78 can be grasped easily from above in order to
carry the luminaire. The handle 78 can be fixed in a region of an
upper half of the main body 52 and can extend substantially in the
horizontal direction.
[0165] An axial center of the handle 78 is preferably arranged
above a center of gravity of the luminaire 12F or of the foot 48,
as is illustrated by a vertical dashed line in FIG. 3. If the
handle is consequently grasped from below by means of an operating
member, such as a finger 32, the luminaire 12F assumes an
equilibrium position, which deviates from the normal operational
position shown on the left in FIG. 3 by no more than
.+-.30.degree., preferably by no more than .+-.15.degree..
[0166] FIG. 3 also shows that the luminaire can be removed from the
location LP of the charging device 22 by means of the handle 78,
more specifically to a location to be lit BP, which is
schematically indicated in FIG. 3 by a sofa 80, such that the
luminaire 12F can serve as a reading luminaire. An axial length
L.sub.S of the main body 52 can lie for example in the range of
from 35 cm to 150 cm.
[0167] Although in FIG. 3 an inductive charging device 22 is shown,
it goes without saying that the luminaire 12F can also be formed
such that an electrical interface device is formed on a side of the
foot 48, similarly to that illustrated at 26C in FIG. 2.
[0168] FIG. 4 shows a further luminaire 12F', which illustrates a
modification of the luminaire shown in FIG. 3. The luminaire 12F'
corresponds generally in terms of structure and operating principle
to the luminaire 12F of FIG. 3, and therefore like elements are
provided with like reference signs.
[0169] The luminaire 12F' has a main body 52 with a shorter length
L.sub.S' than the luminaire 12F. The length L.sub.S' can lie for
example in a range of from 15 cm to 50 cm. In this case, the handle
78 can be arranged in the region of the free end of the main body
52 averted from the foot 48. In this case, a position of the handle
78 lying above the center of gravity can lie closer to the main
body 52 for example, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0170] FIG. 5 shows the luminaire 12F shown in FIG. 3 in the region
of its head 14. It can be seen that the head 54 is rectangular in
plan view and has a greater extension over both side lengths than
over height. The lamp arrangement 14 is provided on the underside
of the head 54. A switching arrangement 30F can be formed on the
upper side of the head 54, which for example works contactlessly in
the manner of a gesture control, the switching arrangement 30F
possibly including a reflex light barrier.
[0171] It can also be seen in FIG. 5 that the joint 56 is rotatable
about three axes which are independent of one another, such that a
practically arbitrary adjustment of the head 54 with respect to the
main body 52 is possible.
[0172] FIG. 6 shows a further variant of a luminaire 12F in
combination with a charging device 22. The charging device 22 and
the luminaire can be connected to one another via an electrical
connection arrangement 82. The charging device 22 has a housing 83,
which is formed as a flat housing and on which a plug 84 with
charging contacts of the electrical connection arrangement 82 is
provided. Accordingly, an electrical socket 86 with luminaire
contacts is provided on the foot 48 of the luminaire 12F, in which
socket the plug 84 can be inserted in order to couple the luminaire
12F to the charging device 22.
[0173] It can be seen that the foot 48 and/or the housing 83 can
have a magnet arrangement 28 in order to hold the electrical
connection arrangement 82 in electrical contact substantially on
the basis of magnetic forces. In this way, the electrical
connection arrangement 82 can be easily released, more specifically
against the magnetic force of attraction of the magnet arrangement
28.
[0174] The housing 83 has an upper side 88 and an underside 90. The
underside 90 can be set down on the floor 42. The plug 84 is formed
in the region of a side face 92 connecting the upper side 88 and
the underside 90.
[0175] When the luminaire 12F is brought into the vicinity of the
charging device 22, a magnetic force of attraction 94 causes the
electrical connection arrangement 82 comprising the plug 84 and the
socket 86 to be closed. The plug 84 and the socket 86 are
illustrated in an exaggerated manner in FIG. 6. In both cases the
elements may also be much shorter, such that separation at an angle
does not cause any mechanical damage either.
[0176] The upper side 88 of the housing 83 is formed as a foot
placement surface. Consequently, a foot 96 can be placed thereon in
order to fix the position of the charging device 22 by means of a
vertical fixing force 98. The luminaire 12F can thus be released
from the charging device 22 in a simple manner against the force of
attraction 94 of the magnet arrangement 28 and can be brought to a
location to be lit.
[0177] FIG. 7 shows the charging device 22 from above, with the
upper side 88 of the housing 83 and one or more plugs 84 on a side
face 92.
[0178] FIG. 8 shows a control arrangement 18 of a luminaire 12 in a
schematic exemplary form. The control arrangement 18 includes a
switching arrangement 30, which can be provided on a body 16, for
example in the region of a head 54.
[0179] The switching arrangement 30 includes a first switching
device 102. The first switching device 102 includes a contactless
sensor 104, which comprises an emitter 106 for light and a receiver
108, the contactless sensor 104 possibly being formed as a reflex
light barrier. The emitter 106 and the receiver 108 can be formed
in a wall region of the body 16 or the head 54 such that the first
switching device 102 can be actuated by the approach of an
operating member, such as a finger 32.
[0180] The first switching device 102 can be connected here to a
dimming device 110, which connects the energy store 20 to the lamp
arrangement 14.
[0181] The switching arrangement 30 also includes a second
switching device 112. The second switching device 112 comprises a
contact sensor 114, which for example can be formed as a capacitive
sensor and can be triggered by contact with an operating member 32,
such as a finger. The second switching device 112 also includes a
sleep control unit 116, which is connected to the contact sensor
114. The sleep control unit 116 is also connected to a time-delay
member 118, which is connected to the first switching device 102.
The sleep control unit 116 serves to actuate a switch 120 of the
second switching device 112, which is connected in series with the
first switching device 102.
[0182] Since the first switching device 102 consumes power during
operation on account of the emitter 106, the switch 120 is opened
via the time-delay member 118 a certain period of time after the
last detection of a switching operation, so as to set the luminaire
or the control arrangement 18 to a sleep mode. When contact is
detected at the contact sensor 114, the sleep control unit 116 is
initiated so as to cancel the sleep mode by closing the switch 120.
The lamp arrangement now lights up again, and the contactless
sensor 104 is supplied with power again, such that the luminaire
can be dimmed again.
[0183] The time-delay member 118 can be set up to switch off the
luminaire in an automated manner after a predetermined time.
[0184] In an embodiment illustrated in a dashed manner in FIG. 8
the sleep control unit 116 can also be designed to open or close a
switch 122, which supplies power to the contactless sensor 104. By
way of example, the switch 112 can be opened after the last
actuation of the contactless sensor 104 after a predetermined
period of time of, for example, one minute (preferred range 30
seconds to 5 minutes), such that power is no longer supplied to the
contactless sensor 104. The switch 120 can remain closed in this
variant, such that power continues to be supplied to the lamp
arrangement 14, more specifically at the output level set by the
dimming device 110.
[0185] When an operator wishes to then switch off the luminaire or
change the output, he/she must first cancel the sleep mode via the
contact sensor 114, whereby the switch 122 is closed, such that a
contactless dimming of the lamp arrangement is possible again,
and/or the lamp arrangement can be switched off.
[0186] The two variants can also be combined with one another such
that the sleep control unit 116 can be used both for long-term
switch-off of the lamp arrangement 14 and for short-term
deactivation of the contactless sensor 104.
[0187] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of a luminaire 12G.
The luminaire 12G has a body 16 with a foot 48 and a head 54, the
head 54 being connected to the foot 48 via a joint 56. The head 54
can be constructed identically to the luminaire 12F of FIGS. 3 to
5. The rotational joint 56 can also be formed identically. The foot
48 preferably has dimensions similar to those of the head. The foot
48 and the head 54 can be oriented in a plane via the rotational
joint 56, such that the luminaire 12G can be placed flat in a
pocket.
[0188] The foot 48 constitutes a supporting/holding portion 34,
since the luminaire 12G can be placed via the foot 48 on any
surface. An interface arrangement 26G can also be formed on the
foot 48 in order to charge an energy store 20 received in the foot
48. The interface arrangement 26G can be a micro USB interface, for
example.
[0189] The head 54 has an upper side, on which the switching
arrangement 30 is formed. The upper side is preferably formed from
metal, in particular from an aluminum alloy. The lamp arrangement
40 can include an opaque panel, which is formed with holes, through
which an array of LEDs illuminates.
[0190] The foot 48 has an upper shell 130, which is likewise
preferably produced from a metal, in particular from the same type
of metal as the upper part of the head 54. The foot 48 also has a
lower shell 132, which is preferably produced from plastic. The
upper shell 130 and the lower shell 132 preferably have an
identical basic shape and enclose a volume, within which the energy
store is received. One or more magnets can also be received within
this volume so as to not only be able to set down the foot on a
horizontal surface, but so as also to be able to secure the foot to
a magnetizable or magnetic counter means.
[0191] An on/off switch 134 can also be formed on the lower shell
132, which switch interrupts the power supply between the lamp
arrangement 14 and the energy store 20. The on/off switch 134 is
formed in the present case is a mechanical switch, but could also
be formed as a contact sensor 114, similar to that illustrated in
FIG. 8.
[0192] A further embodiment of a luminaire 12H is shown in figures
in 11 to 14 which can correspond in general in terms of structure
and operating principle to the luminaires 12d in FIGS. 12 and 12F
in FIGS. 2 to 5, a body 16H of the luminaire having a pillar-like
main body 52, on which a handle 78 can be formed, as shown for
example in FIG. 4, and at the upper end of which a luminaire head
54 can be fixed, in particular via a hinged connection 56.
[0193] Elements similar to those in the above-described embodiments
are therefore designated by the same reference signs. Primarily the
differences will be explained hereinafter.
[0194] It can be seen in FIG. 11 that a charge indicator or state
of charge indicator is formed on the upper side of the foot 48H.
The state of charge indicator 140 can indicate a state of charge of
an electrical energy store 20 which is received in the foot 48H, as
indicated schematically in FIG. 12. There, it can also be seen that
an energy store cover 138 can be formed on the underside of the
foot 48H, via which energy store cover the energy store 20, which
can be formed in the manner of a rechargeable mobile telephone
battery, can be replaced.
[0195] The state of charge indicator 140 can also have further
features as have been described in the introduction.
[0196] The foot 48H has an underside 142, which defines a
supporting plane, that is to say a plane over which the luminaire
12H is supported. Since the luminaire 12H is a freestanding
luminaire, the supporting plane is oriented parallel to a
horizontal.
[0197] An electrical connection arrangement 82H of an interface
arrangement 26H of a charging device 22H is also illustrated in
FIGS. 11 to 14. The connection arrangement 82H serves in this case
to connect charging contacts 146 on a charging device housing 83H
to luminaire contacts 148, which are formed on the foot 48H of the
luminaire 12H. The connection arrangement 82 can also include one
or more magnets in order to magnetically hold the connection
arrangement 82H in the coupled position so that, on the one hand, a
separation of the connection arrangement 82H is facilitated, but,
on the other hand, a coupling can also be facilitated.
[0198] The connection arrangement 82H defines a connection axis
144, which in the present case is oriented transversely, in
particular perpendicularly, to the supporting plane 142.
[0199] The connection axis 144 is defined by the direction in which
the charging contacts 146 and the luminaire contacts 148 are
brought into contact with one another or are to be aligned.
[0200] In the present case a recess 150 is provided on the foot 48H
of the luminaire 12H, which recess is preferably formed below the
region of the foot 48H from which the pillar-like main body 52
extends upwardly. The recess 150 is open to a side face 92H of the
foot 48H and is also open to the underside 142 of the foot 48H.
[0201] The recess 150 has a recess cone 152, which is arranged
concentrically with the connection axis 144. The recess cone 152
has a large diameter in the region of the underside 142 and tapers
toward the upper side of the foot 48H. The recess cone 152 extends
in the peripheral direction about the connection axis 144 over an
angle of approximately 180.degree., more specifically on the side
of the recess 150 arranged opposite the side face 92H. The
luminaire contacts 148 lie within the recess cone 152.
[0202] The recess 150 also has an insertion bevel 154, which in
particular can be seen in FIG. 14 and which starts from the side
face 92H and tapers toward the recess cone 152.
[0203] The insertion bevel 154, in conjunction with the recess cone
152 and the fact that the charging contacts 146 and the luminaire
contacts 148 are oriented concentrically with the connection axis
144, makes it possible for a charging device housing 83H extending
in part into the recess 150 to pivot parallel to the underside 142
(supporting plane) through an angle 156 which lies in a range of
from 10.degree. to 90.degree., in particular in a range of from
15.degree. to 45.degree.. This makes it possible to produce the
connection arrangement or the coupling of the contacts 146, 148 in
a large number of different relative positions between foot 48H and
charging device housing 83H.
[0204] As is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the charging device housing
83H preferably has a substantially cuboidal base 160, which at one
longitudinal end has a cone extension 162, which defines a housing
cone 164 which conically tapers from an underside of the charging
device housing 83H and extends over an angle of greater than
180.degree. and preferably less than 270.degree.. The housing cone
164 is adapted in terms of dimensions and cone pitch to the recess
cone 152 of the recess 150.
[0205] The cone extension 162 has, on its upper side, a flat
circular face 166, which preferably protrudes toward an upper side
of the base 160. As is shown in FIG. 16, a housing magnet part 168
can be provided on the circular face 166 and can cooperate with a
soft-magnetic portion of the recess 150 in order to magnetically
hold the connection arrangement in the manner of a magnetic
dock.
[0206] A first charging contact 170 of the charging contacts 146 is
also preferably provided on the circular face 166. The first
charging contact 170 is formed as a circular central contact. A
second charging contact 172, which is formed as a ring contact, is
also formed on the circular face 166, more specifically
concentrically with the first charging contact 170 and radially
distanced herefrom.
[0207] The charging contacts 170, 172 form the above-described
charging contacts 146 and correspond in terms of shape and
arrangement to the luminaire contacts 148. One of the charging
contacts 170, 172 can be a positive pole. The other charging
contact can be a negative pole. A DC voltage can be provided via
the charging contacts 170, 172 and is suitable for charging the
energy store 20, for example a voltage in a range of from 4 to 24
volts.
[0208] An electrical standard interface 174, which can be formed as
a computer interface, in particular as a USB interface, is formed
on the longitudinal end of the base 160 opposite the cone extension
162. A plug of a standard charging cable 176 can be inserted into
the interface 174, which in particular can be formed as a socket.
The other end of the standard charging cable 176 can be connected
to a standard charging converter 178, which for example can be
inserted into a power outlet 58. The standard charging converter
178 converts the AC voltage provided at the power outlet 58 into a
DC voltage, which can be guided via the standard charging cable 176
to the electrical standard interface 174. This charging voltage is
tapped within the charging device housing 83H by contacts of the
electrical standard interface 174 and can then be electrically
connected to the charging contacts 170, 172.
[0209] The charging device housing 83H in this embodiment
preferably does not have its own charging electronics. Rather, a
standard charging converter 178 can be used to charge the energy
store 20.
[0210] The charging device housing 83H is formed in particular so
as to be arranged on a floor or flooring surface. An upper side of
the base 160, which is designated in FIGS. 15 and 16 by 88H, can
serve as a foot placement surface, similarly to that illustrated in
FIG. 6.
[0211] In order to dock the luminaire 12H at the charging device
housing 83H located on the floor, the luminaire is moved such that
the recess 150 is approximately aligned with the cone extension
162. Due to the fact that the insertion bevel 154 is provided, and
due to the fact that the housing cone 164 can cooperate with the
recess cone 152, a centering is provided with respect to the
connection axis 144, even if there is initially a certain
misalignment. The cone extension 162 is also drawn magnetically
against the "ceiling" of the recess 150 along the connection axis
144 on account of the housing magnet part 168 so as to thus
electrically connect the charging contacts 146 to the luminaire
contacts 148.
[0212] The dimensions of the recess 150 and of the cone extension
162 can be such that the charging device housing 83H still rests on
a floor when the contacts 146, 148 are coupled. However, the
charging device housing 83H can also be lifted slightly with
respect to the floor, more specifically on account of the magnetic
holding forces of the housing magnet part 168.
[0213] In order to separate the connection arrangement 82H, the
luminaire can be lifted up, a foot preferably being placed on the
base 160 so as to overcome the magnetic forces of the housing
magnet part 168 during this process. If the luminaire is removed
unintentionally from the power outlet 58 beyond the length of the
standard charging cable 176, the unintentional forces occurring
here can likewise release the magnetic holding forces, the
connection arrangement being separable in this way without
resulting in destruction. A separation of the connection
arrangement 82H can thus likewise be facilitated.
[0214] The charging device housing 83H and foot 48H or recess 150
thereof can be coupled either by sliding the foot parallel to the
underside 142 in the direction of the housing cone 164, or vice
versa. Here, the contacts 146, 148 are firstly aligned in a
direction parallel to the underside 142 or the supporting plane.
However, contact is again made parallel to the connection axis 144,
since the housing cone 164 is drawn into the recess cone 152 on
account of the magnetic forces, more specifically parallel to the
connection axis 144. A lateral approaching movement, which only at
the end leads to the movement of charging device housing 83H and
foot 48H along the connection axis 144, is indicated schematically
in FIG. 13 by an arrow.
[0215] Of course, the foot 48H and charging device housing 83H can
also be coupled and decoupled purely vertically, as is indicated
schematically in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0216] The luminaire arrangement shown in FIGS. 11 to 16 with the
luminaire 12H and the charging device housing 83H, which is formed
in the manner of a magnet dock, can be combined with any of the
above-described embodiments. In particular, in addition to the
electrical connection arrangement, an inductive interface
arrangement can be provided. A wireless communications device can
also be integrated, via which the portable luminaire can be
switched or dimmed jointly with other luminaires. Lastly, a
switching arrangement for actuating the luminaire can be
constructed in a similar manner to that described with reference to
FIG. 8.
[0217] The pillar-like main body 52 can be coupled to a luminaire
head 54, as is illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0218] A luminaire family for a further embodiment of a luminaire
arrangement is shown in FIGS. 17 to 24. The luminaires of FIGS. 17
to 24 correspond generally in terms of structure and operating
principle to the above-described luminaires, more specifically in
particular the luminaires 12B, 12D and 12E of FIG. 2. The
luminaires of the luminaire family of FIGS. 17 to 24 are preferably
wall luminaires, ceiling luminaires or pendant luminaires. The
luminaires of FIGS. 17 to 24 preferably share magnetic holding
technology in order to secure the luminaires to the wall, to the
ceiling, or to a pendant.
[0219] In FIGS. 17 and 18 a first luminaire of this luminaire
family is illustrated schematically and designated generally by
12I.
[0220] The luminaire 12I has a flat cuboidal body 180, which has a
body front side 182 (FIG. 17) and a body rear side 184 (FIG. 18).
The body rear side 184 forms a supporting plane, which lies
parallel to a securing plane (wall or ceiling or the like).
[0221] A switching arrangement 30I, which can correspond in terms
of structure and operating principle to the switching arrangement
30 as has been described with reference to the luminaire of FIG. 5
and the luminaire of FIGS. 9 and 10, can be provided on the body
front side 182. A charge indicator 140I, via which a state of
charge of an energy store 120I integrated in the body 180 can be
queried or displayed, is also arranged on the body front side
182.
[0222] An electrical standard interface 174I is formed on a side
face 92I and can be identical to the standard interface 174 of the
charging device housing 83H of FIGS. 15 and 16 or to the interface
26G indicated schematically in FIGS. 9 and 10. In the present case
the standard interface 174 forms part of an electrical interface
26I of this type.
[0223] The body 180 is connected on a longitudinal end opposite the
side face 92I to a planar lamp or a luminous panel 186. The
luminous panel 186 can be an opaque Plexiglas plate, for example,
but can also be a glass plate with interspersed particles.
[0224] The luminous panel 186 is fed via a feed portion 182. In
particular, light is coupled into a side edge (not shown) of the
luminous panel 186. The feed portion 188 is arranged in the manner
of a strip in the region between the body 180 and the luminous
panel 186. The feed portion 188 preferably has a plurality of LEDs
arranged along a strip form, which are fed from the energy store
20I.
[0225] The body 180 has a frame 190, which surrounds the luminous
panel 186. In some cases, however, the frame 190 can also be
omitted.
[0226] The luminous panel 186 with the frame 190 is angled relative
to the body front side 182 and/or the body rear side 184 by an
angle 192. The angle 192 can lie in a range of from 3.degree. to
90.degree., in each case inclusive, and preferably lies in a range
of from 15.degree. to 45.degree., in each case inclusive.
[0227] The feed portion 188 can also be inclined with respect to
the side face 92I by an angle (not specified in greater detail) in
a range of from 5.degree. to 60.degree.. The feed portion 188,
however, can also be oriented parallel to the side face 92I and/or
perpendicularly to side faces arranged therebetween (not specified
in greater detail).
[0228] Due to the angling of the luminous panel 186 relative to the
body 180, it is possible, when the luminaire 12I is mounted on a
wall or ceiling, for light to irradiate both from the surface of
the luminous panel 186 facing toward the body front side 182 and
from the opposite surface of the luminous panel facing toward the
body rear side 184. Consequently, a lighting effect in the manner
of direct and indirect light can be obtained, to name just one
exemplary application for this.
[0229] A communications module 194 is also integrated in the body
180. The communications model can be, in particular, part of a
wireless communications device 36K, as shown in FIG. 24. The
communications module 194 can be connected for communication to
other luminaires and/or to an operating device 66. It is preferably
possible, via the communications device 36K, to switch and/or to
dim a plurality of luminaires synchronously.
[0230] As can be seen in FIG. 18, the luminaire 12I also has, in
the region of the body rear side 184, an on/off switch and a
holding magnet arrangement 196.
[0231] The magnet holding arrangement 196 in the present case forms
a magnet 60I for mounting the luminaire 12I on a wall or a ceiling.
The holding magnet arrangement 196 here has a centering feature
198, by means of which the holding magnet arrangement 196 can be
centered with respect to a magnetic securing part, which will be
described hereinafter. The centering feature 198 can be, for
example, a circular protrusion, which protrudes relative to the
holding magnet arrangement 196.
[0232] In one embodiment the luminaire 12I can be set via the
switching arrangement 30I to a master mode, in which the
communications module 194 synchronizes all changes of the state of
the luminaire 12I with a plurality of "slave" luminaires.
Generally, however, the communications model 194 of the luminaire
12I is always a "slave" module, which can be controlled by means of
a master in the form of an operating device 66K, as shown in FIG.
19.
[0233] The operating device 66K has an operating device body 202,
which likewise can be formed as a flat, planar body, with a body
rear side illustrated in FIG. 19, on which a holding magnet
arrangement 196K can be formed, which is identical to the holding
magnet arrangement 196 of FIG. 18.
[0234] An electrical energy store 20K can also be arranged in the
operating device body 202. A standard interface 174K can also be
provided on the operating device body 202 so as to be able to
charge the energy store 20K in this way.
[0235] A communications module 194K is also formed in the operating
device body 202 and is preferably formed as a "master" module and
can be connected for communication to a plurality of luminaires
(such as a plurality of luminaires 12I or also any other of the
above-described luminaires) so as to control these
synchronously.
[0236] A charge indicator 140K can be arranged on the front side
(not shown in greater detail) of the operating device body 202, as
can also a switching arrangement 30K. The switching arrangement 30K
and the charging indicator 140K can be formed identically to the
corresponding elements 30I and 140I of FIG. 17.
[0237] FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a luminaire 12L, which
generally corresponds in terms of structure and operating principle
to the luminaire 12I. Like elements are therefore designated by
like reference signs. Primarily the differences will be explained
hereinafter.
[0238] The luminaire 12L can preferably be temporarily secured to a
pendant 206, more specifically preferably by means of a holding
magnet arrangement 196L, which is formed on a rear side or upper
side of the luminaire 12L, which is not visible in FIG. 20.
[0239] The luminaire 12L has a body 180L, which is preferably
formed as a semi-circular plate. A switching arrangement 30L and a
charge indicator 140L can be formed on an underside 182L of the
body 180L and can correspond to the elements 30I and 140I of FIG.
17.
[0240] An electrical energy store 20L is also integrated in the
body 180L, as is also a communications module 194L, which can be
generally comparable in terms of structure and operating principle
to the corresponding elements 20I, 194I of the luminaire of FIG.
17.
[0241] The luminaire 12L also preferably has a semi-circular
luminous panel 186L, which is shaped such that the body 180L and
the luminous panel 186L together define a circle, for example.
Similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, however, the
luminous panel 186L is angled relative to the body 180L by an angle
192L, which can lie in an angular range similar to the
above-described angle 192.
[0242] A semi-circular frame 190L can also be provided around the
luminous panel 186L.
[0243] A feed portion 188L is provided between the body 180L and
the luminous panel 186L, by means of which feed portion light can
be coupled into a side edge of the luminous panel 186L. Light is
preferably again emitted from a surface of the luminous panel 186L
facing toward the underside 182L, and preferably also from a
surface of the luminous panel 186L facing toward the upper side
(not illustrated).
[0244] The pendant 206 can be formed for example by a single cable,
which at its upper end is secured purely mechanically to a ceiling,
for example. A magnetic securing part can be secured to the
underside or the free end of the pendant, which magnetic securing
part can cooperate with the holding magnet arrangement 196L (not
shown in greater detail in FIG. 20). The holding magnet arrangement
196L is preferably secured to the upper side of the body 180L
concentrically with a circle shape, which circle shape is defined
by the body 180L and the luminous panel 186L. Consequently, the
luminaire 12L can be secured to the pendant 206 such that the body
182L is preferably oriented horizontally.
[0245] FIGS. 21 and 22 show a magnetic securing part 210, as can be
secured for example to a wall or to an end of a pendant 206. The
magnetic securing part 210 has a main body formed from a
soft-magnetic material, which is approximately circular and has a
centering means 212 in the form of a circular axial indentation.
The centering feature 198 of the holding magnet arrangement 196 can
engage in this indentation or in this centering means 212, for
example.
[0246] The magnetic securing part 210 preferably has a securing
portion centrally, which for example can be formed by a bore, via
which a screw 218 can be passed through. FIG. 22 shows that a screw
of this type passes through the securing portion 214 and is fixed
in a wall 46 at a wall plug (not specified in greater detail).
[0247] The magnetic securing part 210 can also preferably have a
holding magnet mount 216, in which the holding magnet arrangement
196 can be completely received. An aesthetically pleasing magnetic
connection can be established in this way.
[0248] FIG. 23 shows, in schematic form, a feed portion 188, which
is formed in a strip-like manner with a plurality of LEDs (not
specified in greater detail), which couple their light into a side
face 220 of a luminous panel 186. By way of example, the luminous
panel 186 can be formed as an opaque panel so that total internal
reflection within the panel is avoided. However, particles can also
be integrated in the panel 186 in order to be able to couple light
out via the surfaces oriented perpendicularly to the side face
220.
[0249] FIG. 24 shows, in schematic form, a luminaire arrangement
10M, which for example includes a plurality of luminaires 12I and a
luminaire 12L. The luminaire arrangement 10 also includes an
operating device 66K, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0250] In FIG. 24 it can first be seen that, in the case of the
luminaire 12L, a magnetic securing part 210 is fixed at an end of a
pendant 206 and is fixed to the upper side of the body 180L by
means of a holding magnet arrangement 196L. An on/off switch 200L
can also be arranged on the upper side of the body 180L.
[0251] As indicated schematically by arrows 64, the luminaires 12I
and 12L can be controlled synchronously by means of the operating
device 66K.
[0252] In FIG. 24 the operating device 66K is shown attached to a
standard charging cable 176. However, the operating device 66K can
also be decoupled from a charging cable 176 of this type and can be
temporarily fixed to a wall merely via its holding magnet
arrangement 196K (FIG. 19).
[0253] The luminaires 12I, 12L of FIG. 24 and also the operating
device 66K can each be removed from their place of temporary
mounting by means of the magnetic securing part 210 and holding
magnet arrangement 196 and can each be charged at a central
charging location, more specifically via a standard charging
converter 178 and a plurality of standard charging cables 176.
[0254] FIG. 25 shows a preferred embodiment of a luminaire
arrangement 10M with a charging device 22M, which has a charging
station 240.
[0255] The charging station 240 includes a base 242, which example
can be placed on a flat surface. A plurality of luminaire mounts
244 (in the present case four) for temporarily receiving a
corresponding plurality of luminaires are also formed on an upper
side of the base 242. In the present case the charging station 240
is designed to charge luminaires 12I, as are shown in FIGS. 17 and
18 and also in FIG. 24. The charging station 240 is preferably also
suitable for recharging an operating device 66K, as is shown in
FIG. 19. However, the charging station 240 can also be adapted such
that it is suitable for recharging other types of luminaires, in
particular luminaires which are formed as wall, ceiling, or pendant
luminaires.
[0256] In the present case, four luminaire mounts 244 are formed on
the base 242 and are designed to receive four luminaires 12I.sub.1,
12I.sub.2, 12I.sub.3 and 12I.sub.4 of the luminaire type shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18.
[0257] Here, interface arrangements 26M.sub.1, 26M.sub.2, etc. are
formed in the region of the luminaire mounts 244 and are designed
to cooperate with the interfaces 174I.sub.1, 174I.sub.2, etc.
provided on the luminaires 12I.
[0258] Wiring 246 is provided inside the base 242 and is designed
to connect these interfaces 174I.sub.1, 174I.sub.2, etc. to a
central charging interface, which is formed in the present case by
"luminaire" contacts 148M on the upper side of a recess 150M formed
in the bottom of the base 242.
[0259] The recess 150M corresponds in terms of structure and
operating principle to the recess 150 shown in figures in 11 to 14
(in that case for the foot of a freestanding luminaire). The same
recess with the identical contacts 148M is provided in the present
case on the base 242, such that the charging device housing 83H can
be slid into the recess 150M via the cone extension 162. The
charging device housing 83H is preferably structured identically to
the charging device housing 23H of FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0260] Consequently, a standard interface 174 is provided at an end
of the charging device housing 83H opposite the cone extension 162,
into which standard interface a plug of a standard charging cable
176 can be inserted, said charging cable being connected at the
other end to a standard charging converter 178.
[0261] Alternatively to the embodiment in which a recess 150M for
receiving a portion of the charging device housing 83H is formed on
the charging station 240, a standard charging interface 174M could
also be provided on the charging station 240, into which standard
charging interface a plug of the standard charging cable 176 could
be directly inserted. In this case, this interface 174M would be
connected in parallel with the interfaces 174I.sub.1, 174I.sub.2,
etc. via a corresponding wiring.
[0262] Retaining struts 250 can be provided in order to
mechanically fix the luminaires 12I to the charging station 240 and
extend upwardly starting from the base 242 and form a mechanical
part of the luminaire receptacles 244.
[0263] Furthermore, the recess 150M can be formed at any point in
the region of the base 242. However, the recess 150M is preferably
provided at an axial end of the base 242.
[0264] The axial direction of the base 242 preferably lies parallel
to the body front sides 182.sub.1, 182.sub.2, etc. of the
luminaires 12I.sub.1, 12I.sub.2, etc. inserted into the charging
station 240.
[0265] The charging station 240 preferably also has a hoop or
handle 248, which extends in a U-shaped manner above the base 242
and is connected to the axial end of the base. The hoop 248 is
preferably longer than the height of the luminaires 12I inserted
into the charging station 240 so that the charging station 240 with
the luminaires 12I inserted therein can be easily carried by means
of the hoop 248.
[0266] For coupling to the charging device housing 83H, the
charging station 240 can be moved such that the mount 150M is moved
into the vicinity of the cone extension 162, where the contacts 146
and 148M are contacted with automatic centering on account of the
housing magnet part 168. To separate the charging station 240 from
the charging device housing H, the upper side 88H of the charging
device housing 83H can then be pressed by hand or by means of a
foot in order to fix this and facilitate a removal of the charging
station 240 from the charging device housing 83H.
[0267] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is not
a definition of the invention, but is a description of one or more
preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is
not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but
rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the
statements contained in the foregoing description relate to
particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations
on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in
the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined
above. Various other embodiments and various changes and
modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent
to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes,
and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the
appended claims.
[0268] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for
example," "e.g.," "for instance," "such as," and "like," and the
verbs "comprising," "having," "including," and their other verb
forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more
components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended,
meaning that that the listing is not to be considered as excluding
other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be
construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are
used in a context that requires a different interpretation.
* * * * *
References